OMB Copper Classic Run for Pints for Prostates Boosts Men’s Health Awareness in Charlotte

May 3, 2011 - PRLog -- Charlotte, N.C. – The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and Pints for Prostates are joining forces on May 21 to help raise awareness about prostate cancer and generate funds to fight the disease that one in six American men will face.

The OMB Copper Classic Run for Pints for Prostates is a fun 1,000 yard dash around the block followed by beer, food, music and fun at the brewery. This is the second year Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is hosting a run to fight prostate cancer.  For $25 runners get a race t-shirt, two pints of fresh beer, great food, music and fun.

Runners must register in advance for the event. Information is available at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery online store athttp://store.oldemeckbrew.com/. The brewery is located at 215 Southside Dr. in Charlotte. Check-in for the event starts on May 21 at 10 a.m., with the race at Noon. The event continues until 4 p.m.

“The OMB Copper Classic is a very fun 1,000 dash. A similar event packed the brewery last year. You don’t have to be much of an athlete to take part and it benefits a great cause,” said John Marrino of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. “Pints for Prostates is spreading the word across the country and this is a perfect opportunity for Olde Mecklenburg Brewery to bring this important message to Charlotte.”

Pints for Prostates will have an information table at the event, along with t-shirts, hats and a raffle for a nine-night trip for two to Prague, Bamberg and Munich for Oktoberfest.  The Victor James Band will provide live music during the event.

“Pints for Prostates really appreciates the support of Olde Mecklenburg Brewing.  It is a fun event with a serious message about men’s health,” said Rick Lyke, a Charlotte marketing executive and beer writer who founded Pints for Prostates in 2008 after successful prostate cancer surgery. “Few people realize that men are 33 percent more likely to face prostate cancer than women are to develop breast cancer. With early detection and proper treatment, the disease is nearly 100 percent survivable, but last year 32,000 American men died from prostate cancer. Men need to take charge of their health and start having regular prostate health screenings and PSA tests at age 40.”

“Prostate cancer is about 30 years behind breast cancer in terms of awareness and social standing. The pink ribbon can be found on everything from cat food to wine, but the blue ribbon for prostate cancer awareness is on very few products as a reminder to men,” Lyke said. “Olde Mecklenburg Brewing is really stepping up to the plate to help guys.”

During the last two years more than 100 Pints for Prostates events have been held, organized by volunteers and often hosted on a local level at breweries, restaurants or brewpubs. Those wishing to organize an event can get information by visiting www.pintsforprostates.org.

About Pints for Prostates
Pints for Prostates is a 501(c)3 a campaign that reaches men through the universal language of beer to encourage them to take charge of their health. The group was founded by prostate cancer survivor and beer writer Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men of the importance of regular health screenings and PSA testing by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 218,000 new prostate cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2010. More information is available atwww.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (@pints4prostates).

About Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB), located in the heart of south Charlotte, produces premium, all natural beer and delivers it fresh weekly to bars, restaurants and retailers in the region.  The brewery made its first beer in 2009 and adheres strictly to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law of 1516). OMB uses only the finest ingredients available worldwide and employs traditional, intensive brewing methods to transform them into world class beer that’s full-flavored yet amazingly refreshing.